When winter weather settles in it's tempting to reach for heavy creams and lotions like shea butters and coconut.

But both are humectants. This means that they work by attracting moisture. So when the air becomes too dry to get moisture, it's possible to pull moisture from the skin.

When the humidity really dries up -- or you spend a lot of time commuting with that hot air from the defroster blowing right at your face -- it's time to turn to other moisturizers.

Plant-based serums and whipped lotions offer moisture and barrier protection. Something with a little beeswax is ideal as it will guard against moisture loss, too.

My family-favorite and the lotion I recommend to my clients is the goat's milk lotion by City Girl Soap in Pontiac, MI. Quality products; plus I get to say that I know the goats... And Amy knows the bees that make the honey for my favorite blend: Orange & Honey.

why goat's milk?

Goat's milk has been used for skincare products for ages. Partly because of the lightly exfoliating properties of the lactic acid which sloughs off dead skin cells. And the medium-chain fatty acids that nourish the skin. Because the molecules of fats and proteins are small by comparison the skin has easier access to the good stuff.

What else can you do?

Use a natural, locally made soapMost of that stuff at the super-market is actually detergents, that are not aged properly, containing too much lye which dries out and breaks down the acid mantle

Cleanse as little as you can get away withWater is your friend on the inside; drying on the outside.

Replace toner with Floral Water or HydrosolsThe toner often has alcohol and other agents which dry out the skin. Fancy ones are a wonderful treat; but the Heritage Store (pink bottle) at your local health-food market is a great option.